3 Key Points:
- Jim Hermann’s Stellar Career: From the NFL to the XFL, Hermann has left a lasting impact, recently serving as the San Antonio Brahmas’ defensive coordinator in 2023.
- ELF’s Tirol Raiders Gain: The Raiders, with an 8-4 record, welcome Hermann as their new head coach, aiming for a stronger season.
- Career Highlights: Hermann’s career features a Super Bowl win with the New York Giants and a Broyles Award during his time as a college football assistant coach.
Jim Hermann, well-known for his tenure as linebackers coach for the Super Bowl-winning New York Giants, has recently been appointed the new head coach of the Tirol Raiders in the European League of Football (ELF). The Raiders concluded their ELF season with a respectable 8-4 record, positioning themselves as second in the ELF Central Conference.
Hermann, aged 62, rose to prominence when he won the Super Bowl in 2012 as part of the New York Giants’ coaching staff. However, what may be surprising to some fans is his abrupt exit from the XFL, where he served as the defensive coordinator for the San Antonio Brahmas for the 2023 season under head coach Hines Ward.
Born in Hollywood but raised in Michigan, Hermann’s football roots trace back to his college days. He was a linebacker for the Michigan Wolverines between 1980 and 1982 and later served as an assistant coach for the team. He climbed the coaching ladder swiftly, becoming Michigan’s defensive coordinator under head coach Lloyd Carr from 1997 to 2005. Hermann’s Michigan years were highlighted by a Broyles Award, given to the best assistant coach in college football, and a national championship win at the 1998 Rose Bowl.
After leaving Michigan, Hermann transitioned to the NFL. He served as linebackers coach for the New York Jets from 2006 to 2008. Following this, he moved to the New York Giants, where he contributed to the Super Bowl XLVI win against the New England Patriots in 2012.
His journey didn’t stop there. Hermann continued to build on his already impressive resume. He joined the Indianapolis Colts as their linebackers coach for two seasons (2016-2017) under Chuck Pagano. Before venturing to the XFL, Hermann took up an associate head coach and linebackers coach role at Bowling Green University in 2019. His European stint began as the associate head coach and linebacker coach of the Lazio Ducks in the Italian Football League during 2021-2022.
The question now is: What does this latest move mean for both the Tirol Raiders and the San Antonio Brahmas? Hermann’s departure from the XFL squad leaves a significant void in experience and tactical mastery, while his arrival at the Tirol Raiders is already creating high expectations for the European League of Football.
As both leagues proceed into their respective seasons, it will be interesting to watch how Hermann’s decision plays out in terms of the performance of both teams. One thing is clear: Jim Hermann’s experience and track record will remain a talking point regardless of where he coaches.
